Summit becomes official craft beer of Minnesota United

The Minnesota United Football Club's future with Major League Soccer may be uncertain, but one thing is for sure: the team has found itself a beer sponsor.

Summit Brewing Co. has announced a partnership with Minnesota United that will make it the club's official craft brew, according to a news release.

The move puts the popular St. Paul brewery's suds – which come in 15 varieties, including seasonals and limited releases – in all the team's home matches.

"We are thrilled to partner with Summit Brewing Company,” United President Nick Rogers said in the release. “Summit Brewing has long recognized the power and significance of soccer and we’re excited to help them tell their story to our fans.”

For the Minnesota United, however, it's a story that's still unfolding – just months after Major League Soccer bosses announced the club had secured its place as the league's newest expansion team, the deal is in some doubt.

The agreement between MLS and the group behind the United called for plans for a new downtown Minneapolis stadium to be solidified by July 1; however, the club missed the deadline and, following a meeting between them and league officials last week, what happens next is uncertain.

But if the club does indeed secure a new arena, it could be a coup for Summit as well – according to the Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal, the sponsorship deal gives the brewery right of first refusal if Minnesota United goes on to become a major league team.

According to an Investopedia explanation of the right of first refusal, this means that Summit will have the opportunity to enter a deal with the team (presumably to continue to be its sponsor after it joins MLS) before anyone else can.